A Psychologist therapist, or simply a therapist, is a mental health professional who treats emotional and behavioral issues. They use talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, to help patients overcome a variety of problems, from anxiety and depression to family and marital issues. Therapists may work with individuals, couples, or groups. Some specialize in a particular type of counsellor or therapy, such as family, marriage, or addictions treatment. Others focus on a specific mental health condition, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Does therapist mean psychologist?
While many people use the terms therapist, psychologist, and counselor interchangeably, each has unique educational requirements and patient populations. For example, those who wish to become psychologists must complete a PhD or PsyD program and undergo extensive research and clinical training to receive their license to practice psychotherapy. This type of doctorate degree usually takes four or more years to complete. Psychologist-level degrees allow for a range of career options, including research, teaching, and private practice.
Psychologist therapists often offer psychotherapy as an alternative to medication, or as part of an overall treatment plan for certain conditions. Using a variety of approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, humanistic, or psychodynamic therapies, they help people change self-defeating ways of thinking and behaviors, understand their medical condition and its symptoms, and cope with the challenges of daily life.
The therapist profession is a broad category that includes psychoanalysts, social workers, marital and family therapists, life coaches, and even some psychiatric nurses. When choosing a therapist, it’s important to consider their credentials, such as education and experience, but also the comfort level you feel with them. During the first few sessions, you should be able to tell whether you’re a good match for each other.